Line of Scrimmage: AFC Training Camp Primers

The AFC may have lost the last three Super Bowls, but they'll have their rival conference well beaten when it comes to summertime exposure.

Nearly all of the most captivating story developments of this year's training
camp season will reside in the offshoot of the old American Football League,
with Peyton Manning's exodus from Indianapolis to Denver as the most
ballyhooed free agent in NFL history, Tim Tebow's arrival on Broadway as the
New York Jets' latest show-stopping attraction and the contentious holdouts in
the works from Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew and Pittsburgh
wide receiver Mike Wallace all sure to garner an insane amount of scrutiny and
attention in the coming weeks.

Heck, even Chad Johnson's rebirth in Miami (yes, Ochocinco es muerto) should
bring some enchanting footage when HBO renews its "Hard Knocks" documentary at
the site of Dolphins' camp.

So take that, Giants, Packers and Saints.

With teams ramping up their preparations for the regular season this week,
here's a team-by-team synopsis of the players and position battles to look out
for among the 16 AFC inhabitants, with last season's record for each included
in the breakdown:

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills (6-10)

REPORT DATES: July 9th (rookies), July 25th (veterans)

SITE: St. John Fisher College, Pittsford, NY

The installation of a new 4-3 defense run by former Bears and Dolphins head
coach Dave Wannstedt will take precedent when the Bills convene in Pittsford,
with the defensive end and cornerback positions getting a particular emphasis.
Buffalo spent big on pass rushers in the offseason, landing prized two-time
Pro Bowler Mario Williams and double-digit sack artist Mark Anderson in free
agency, and both will be counted on to play prominent roles in the revised
scheme. Rookie Stephon Gilmore, Buffalo's first-round choice in April's draft,
will be given every opportunity to supplant disappointing former No. 1 pick
Leodis McKelvin at one corner spot, with talented second-year pro Aaron
Williams getting a crack at a starting nod on the other side. There's plenty
of competition at wide receiver as well, with returnees Donald Jones, Derek
Hagan and Marcus Easley and rookie speedster T.J. Graham (3rd Round, North
Carolina State) all seeking to seize the No. 2 post opposite top target Stevie
Johnson, and a battle between onetime Titans starter Vince Young and holdover
Tyler Thigpen for the backup quarterback job should be one of the more
intriguing preseason competitions. Maintaining good health will also be a
desired goal in camp, with key players such as Mario Williams, running back
Fred Jackson, defensive tackle Kyle Williams and center Eric Wood all coming
back from season-ending injuries.

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Miami Dolphins (6-10)

REPORT DATE: July 26th

SITE: Miami Dolphins Training Facility, Davie, FL

The cameras will be rolling in South Florida this summer, and the Dolphins
figure to provide plenty of entertainment for HBO's "Hard Knocks" series with
the compelling position battles that will take place at camp. The headline
story will undoubtedly be at quarterback, where three players are in the mix
to run first-year head coach Joe Philbin's West Coast offense. Matt Moore
entered the offseason as the favorite after a solid 12-start stint under the
old staff last season, but will need to fend off rejuvenated veteran David
Garrard, who missed all of 2011 with a back injury but showed well in the
team's minicamp sessions. Miami also spent its first pick in April's draft on
athletic Texas A&M triggerman Ryan Tannehill, and the rookie should receive
plenty of preseason work to state his own case. The pecking order at wide
receiver is equally as cloudy, with holdovers Brian Hartline and Davone Bess
joined by the always-colorful Chad Johnson and ex-Panther Legedu Naanee for
the right to be the new No. 1 target in the wake of Brandon Marshall's
offseason trade to Chicago. Competitions also exist on the right side of the
offensive line, with rookie second-round choice Jonathan Martin contesting
Lydon Murtha at tackle and free-agent pickup Artis Hicks vying with
disappointing 2009 third-rounder John Jerry at guard. The Dolphins didn't have
much turnover on defense, but the switch to a 4-3 look under new coordinator
Kevin Coyle will require some fine-tuning. Top pass rusher Cameron Wake will
now work at right end after previously excelling as a stand-up linebacker,
with former first-round pick Jared Odrick entering the starting lineup on the
opposite side.

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New England Patriots (13-3)

REPORT DATES: July 19th (rookies), July 25th (veterans)

SITE: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA

Competition will be fierce when the Patriots begin defense of their 2011 AFC
title, with a slew of free-agent signings brought in during the offseason
fighting to stick on a deep and talented roster. Shoring up a defense that
surrendered the second-highest yardage total in the league last year will also
be near the top of the priority list, as evidenced by the team spending their
first six draft picks on that side of the ball. Two first-round selections --
end/linebacker hybrid Chandler Jones and linebacker Donta Hightower -- could
be ticketed for major roles in the rebuild if up to the task, with the former
having a opportunity to quickly make his mark as a needed pass-rushing
presence if still-unsigned Pro Bowler Andre Carter isn't retained. Versatile
lineman Jonathan Fanene and former Raiders edge rusher Trevor Scott are two
other newcomers with a chance to become valuable contributors, while ex-
Charger Steve Gregory looks to have the inside track at a starting safety spot
in a secondary that has also undergone some fine-tuning. There are jobs up for
grabs on offense as well, with second-year pros Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen
battling returnee Danny Woodhead for playing time at running back and stalwart
Deion Branch trying to fend off challenges from seasoned pickups Jabar Gaffney
and Donte Stallworth and remain the third receiver. At quarterback, strong-
armed sophomore Ryan Mallett will likely get a long look in the preseason to
prove his worth as Tom Brady's future backup with current No. 2 Brian Hoyer a
free agent at season's end.

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New York Jets (8-8)

REPORT DATES: July 23rd (rookies), July 26th (veterans)

SITE: SUNY Cortland, Cortland, NY

The Jets have never shied away from the spotlight during Rex Ryan's tenure as
head coach, and the blockbuster acquisition of Tebow from Denver back in March
ensures they'll again be one of the more talked-about teams of the preseason.
The move could come with some controversy as well, even though Ryan has
repeatedly stated the captivating young quarterback won't be a threat to the
maligned Mark Sanchez's starting job. How the Jets exactly plan to incorporate
Tebow's unique skills as a runner into an offense that's now being run by ex-
Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano will be something to follow all throughout
camp, as will the club's uncertain situation at right tackle. New York traded
for former Carolina first-round pick Jeff Otah just prior to the start of the
summer sessions, but the brittle lineman failed his initial physical and the
deal could end up being voided. If Otah is kept around and healthy enough to
go, he'll be an overwhelming favorite to beat out pedestrian incumbent Wayne
Hunter. Safety LaRon Landry, another offseason pickup, will also be trying to
work his way into playing shape after missing much of last season with a
lingering Achilles problem. Two other newcomers that may be in line for key
roles are 2012 draft picks Stephen Hill and Quinton Coples, with second-round
choice Hill a possibility to start alongside Santonio Holmes at wide receiver
and first-rounder Coples slated to hold down one of the ends on a defense
that's expected to utilize more 4-3 looks this year.

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AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens (12-4)

REPORT DATES: July 22nd (rookies), July 25th (veterans)

SITE: Under Armour Performance Center, Owings Mills, MD

After losing coordinator Chuck Pagano as well as three experienced regulars to
their high-caliber defense during the offseason, the Ravens enter this year's
camp in need of some rearranging in that area. The most notable and important
absence comes at the rush linebacker spot, where 2011 NFL Defensive Player of
the Year Terrell Suggs will be out until at least November after partially
tearing his Achilles tendon in the spring. His injury puts the spotlight on
projected replacement Paul Kruger, a fourth-year pro who's flashed difference-
making ability in spot duty but has never been a full-time player at the pro
level. Rookie Courtney Upshaw, Baltimore's second-round pick in this past
draft, will also be asked to step into a featured role at outside linebacker
with valued veteran Jarret Johnson departing in free agency, while the team
will be counting on promising youngsters Arthur Jones and Pernell McPhee to
help fill the void left by end Cory Redding's decision to join first-year head
coach Pagano in Indianapolis. A changing of the guard could take place at one
cornerback spot as well, with gifted 2011 first-round selection Jimmy Smith a
candidate to push incumbent Cary Williams into nickel situations after being
eased in as a rookie. Do-everything running back Ray Rice won't have to worry
about losing his status after recently signing a long-term contract, but there
will a battle brewing between rookie Bernard Pierce (3rd Round, Temple) and
seldom-used sophomore Anthony Allen for the backup job. Another interesting
competition could take place at quarterback, where former Colt Curtis Painter
was signed to vie with the lightly-seasoned Tyrod Taylor for the No. 2
position on the depth chart.

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Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)

REPORT DATE: July 26th

SITE: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH

The Bengals were hit with some sobering news right as they were beginning
preparations for the upcoming season, with the team's top 2012 draft pick --
cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick -- fracturing his knee bone just prior to the start
of camp. His expected absence for likely the entire preseason is a bad break
for a secondary in which top cornerback Leon Hall will be handled delicately
in practices as he comes back from a torn Achilles, but increases the chances
of veterans Jason Allen or Adam Jones handling nickel duties in Week 1. The
most contentious camp battle will take place at wide receiver, where a host of
promising but unproven options are competing to start opposite rising star
A.J. Green. Return specialist Brandon Tate and onetime practice-squad member
Armon Binns each turned heads in the spring to vault into contention, with
rookie Mohamed Sanu (3rd Round, Rutgers) squarely in the mix as well. One of
that group could also receive some work at slot receiver with top option
Jordan Shipley still recovering from an ACL tear suffered last September.
Chris Crocker's offseason release has created a void at strong safety the team
hopes to fill with former 49ers second-round selection Taylor Mays, who's
played sparingly his first two pro seasons, though the coaching staff is also
high on 2012 fifth-rounder George Iloka.

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Cleveland Browns (4-12)

REPORT DATES: July 24th (rookies), July 26th (veterans)

SITE: Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative Complex, Berea, OH

The future will be now as the Browns prepare for the second year of the Pat
Shurmur era, with the team's top three choices in this past draft all slated
to become major contributors to a transitioning offense. Cleveland intends to
sink or swim with overaged rookie Brandon Weeden at the quarterback position,
and how the 28-year-old former baseball player fares in grasping the system
will determine the eventual fates of deposed starter Colt McCoy and veteran
backup Seneca Wallace, both of whom are prime candidates to be either traded
or released. There's little debate or controversy over who will start at
running back, with former Alabama star Trent Richardson locked into lead
duties after being tabbed with the third overall pick in April, but there'll
be a fierce competition between oft-injured Montario Hardesty and third-down
specialist Brandon Jackson to be the primary understudy. Second-round
selection Mitchell Schwartz also opens camp as a starter at right tackle,
while keep an eye on wide receiver Josh Gordon, a raw but physically-gifted
wide receiver whom the Browns took in the second round of this month's
supplemental draft. If up to the challenge, the Baylor product could push for
a significant role on an nondescript pass-catching corps. The greatest area
of uncertainty on defense lies at tackle, where returning regular Phil Taylor
is expected to miss a good portion of the regular season with an offseason
pectorals tear. Career reserve Scott Paxson will get first crack to be the
replacement, though rookie draft picks John Hughes (3rd Round, Cincinnati) and
Billy Winn (6th Round, Boise State) could have a say in the matter.

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Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)

REPORT DATE: July 25th

SITE: Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA

The offense figures to be the main focus when the Steelers hold their 47th
consecutive training camp in Latrobe, with former Kansas City head coach Todd
Haley now taking over as coordinator and the front line expected to undergo a
major reshuffling. Pittsburgh used its first two picks in April's draft on
offensive linemen, plucking Stanford's David DeCastro and Ohio State's Mike
Adams with early selections, and the rookies loom as the early favorites to
grab starting jobs at right guard and left tackle, respectively. Second-year
man Marcus Gilbert will take over full-time at right tackle in addition,
shifting the oft-injured Willie Colon to left guard provided he's over
Achilles and triceps tears that have limited to just one game over the past
two seasons. Change will be taking place at running back as well, with capable
reserve Isaac Redman now the main man with Rashard Mendenhall still recovering
from a torn ACL suffered back in January, and his elevation creates an opening
for youngsters Jonathan Dwyer and John Clay to claim the primary backup role.
Veteran nose tackle Casey Hampton will also miss most or all of camp while
making his way back from knee surgery, with either former practice-squad
member Steve McLendon and massive rookie Alameda Ta'amu (4th Round,
Washington) to hold down the fort in the meantime, while 2011 draft picks
Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown will both be trying to claim the vacant nickel
back spot in lieu of William Gay's offseason departure. The impasse between
Wallace and the team over long-term contract talks could wind up trumping all
other storylines, however, with the big-play wide receiver yet to sign his
restricted free agent tender and failing to show up on reporting day in
protest.

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AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans (10-6)

After finally getting over the hump in 2011 with a 10-win regular season and
opening-round victory in their first-ever playoff game, the Texans now face
the unfamiliar task of being the hunted favorite in a reordered AFC South. The
defending division champions also have to withstand the loss of several key
players from last year's breakthrough squad, with premier pass-rusher Mario
Williams, inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans, offensive linemen Eric Winston and
Mike Brisiel and wide receiver/return man Jacoby Jones among those no longer
on the payroll. The team will be counting on holdovers Antoine Caldwell and
Rashad Butler to rise up from the reserve ranks and fill Brisiel and Winston's
spots at guard and tackle, respectively, on a rebuilt right side of the line,
though 340-pound rookie Brandon Brooks (3rd Round, Miami-Ohio) and second-year
pro Derek Newton could have a say in the outcome with impressive camps.
Grooming a replacement for No. 3 receiver Jones also ranks as a top goal.
Houston is very high on Lestar Jean, a college free agent who spent his entire
rookie year on injured reserve, and spent mid-round picks on rookies DeVier
Posey (3rd Round, Ohio State) and Keshawn Martin (4th Round, Michigan State)
in this past draft, but none have ever caught a pass in an NFL game.
Rebuilding the special teams is also on the to-do list, with the Texans set to
enter the season with a new kicker (rookie Randy Bullock), punter (Donnie
Jones) and returners (likely Martin and Justin Forsett), and keeping
quarterback Matt Schaub and All-Pro wideout Andre Johnson healthy after each
missed multiple games with injuries last year is a must as well.

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Indianapolis Colts (2-14)

REPORT DATES: July 25th (rookies), July 28th (veterans)

SITE: Anderson University, Anderson, IN

The torch will be officially passed when the Colts return to Anderson for
their 2012 camp, as the splendid 13-year Peyton Manning era is now over and
the Andrew Luck period about to commence. Preparing the cerebral No. 1 overall
pick of this past draft for his NFL debut as the team's new starting
quarterback is just one of a multitude of assignments that first-year head
coach Chuck Pagano and his staff will have on their plate as Indianapolis
begins a full-scale rebuilding operation, however. The Colts are switching to
a 3-4 defense in which pass-rush artists Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis will
now be deployed as stand-up linebackers, while a worthwhile nose tackle must
be found among the likes of old regime holdover Antonio Johnson, free-agent
addition Brandon McKinney and rookie Josh Chapman (5th Round, Alabama). There
are questions abound at one cornerback spot as well, with lightly tested
third-year man Kevin Thomas, 2011 draftee Chris Rucker and veteran newcomers
Cassius Vaughn and Justin King all competing for a starting nod. The offensive
line will also have a whole new look, with ex-Raider Samson Satele replacing
longtime center Jeff Saturday and a pair of onetime Eagles, guard Mike McGlynn
and tackle Winston Justice, the projected starters on the right side. A few
other rookies will have a chance to contribute right away on offense, with
Luck's Stanford teammate Coby Fleener (2nd Round) and third-round selection
Dwayne Allen the top two prospects at tight end and fifth-rounder Vick Ballard
vying with second-year pro Delone Carter for the backup running back job
behind expected No. 1 option Donald Brown.

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Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)

REPORT DATE: July 26th

SITE: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL

The Jaguars didn't have the smoothest of offseasons, but training camp could
prove to be an even more challenging period for new head coach Mike Mularkey.
2011 NFL rushing champion Jones-Drew has been angling for a new contract that
the front office is reluctant to negotiate, and there's a very real
possibility that the prolific running back stages a protracted holdout if his
demands aren't met. Talks have also stalled with rookie wide receiver Justin
Blackmon, primarily because the team is insisting on protective language after
the No. 5 overall pick in this past draft was arrested on a DUI charge in
June. There are issues to be hammered out on the field as well, most of which
reside on an offense that finished last in the NFL in total yards and first
downs last season. Second-year quarterback Blaine Gabbert will need to show
improvement after an uninspiring debut, especially with veteran Chad Henne now
waiting in the wings after being signed in the spring, and whomever's under
center will have to get comfortable with a redesigned cast of receivers that
now includes free-agent pickups Laurent Robinson and Lee Evans in addition to
Blackmon. The Jags have fewer concerns on the defensive end, though there are
a couple of starting jobs to be determined in the preseason. Promising rookie
pass rusher Andre Branch (2nd Round, Clemson) will compete with third-year pro
Austen Lane for snaps at defensive end, while franchise mainstay Rashean
Mathis is coming off ACL surgery and will have a fight on his hands from ex-
Giant Aaron Ross at left cornerback.

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Tennessee Titans (9-7)

REPORT DATES: July 24th (rookies), July 27th (veterans)

SITE: Baptist Sports Park, Nashville, TN

Mike Munchak's second camp in charge of the Titans won't have nearly the drama
as his first go-around, when the Hall of Fame offensive lineman-turned head
coach had to deal with an extended holdout from running back Chris Johnson,
but the battle between Matt Hasselbeck and Jake Locker for the starting
quarterback position is sure to keep the team in the news. The two enter the
preseason virtually neck-and-neck for the No. 1 job, though Hasselbeck's large
experience advantage over the athletically superior Locker rates the savvy
veteran a slight edge if the 2011 first-round draft pick doesn't emerge as the
clear-cut choice in camp. There's an interesting situation developing at wide
receiver as well, with expected top target Kenny Britt still not 100 percent
recovered from last season's torn ACL and encountering numerous off-field
problems during his rehab, meaning exciting rookie Kendall Wright --
Tennessee's first-round choice in this past draft -- can work into a prominent
role on offense after dazzling the staff with his abilities and quick learning
curve in the spring. On defense, the Titans' aim is to accelerate the growth
process of a promising young core. Second-year players such as linebackers
Colin McCarthy and Akeem Ayers and defensive tackles Jurrell Casey and Karl
Klug all saw extensive time as rookies, while cornerback and fellow sophomore
Tommie Campbell appears to have a leg up on the open nickel back spot in a
secondary that must overcome the free-agent departure of standout cover man
Cortland Finnegan.

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AFC WEST

Denver Broncos (8-8)

REPORT DATE: July 25th

SITE: Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre, Englewood, CO

Tebow Time may have run out in Denver, but Manning Mania has now officially
begun as the Broncos hit the practice fields for their second training camp
under John Fox. Manning's arrival in the Mile High City -- and comeback from a
career-threatening neck injury that sidelined the future Hall of Fame
quarterback for the entire 2011 season -- will be one of the most followed and
discussed storylines of this preseason, and how the reigning AFC West
champions handle the additional media scrutiny could have a big say in their
chances for a repeat. Of course, Manning's health will be the biggest factor
in determining Denver's 2012 success, and the four-time league MVP will need
to develop a rapport with young receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker
during the summer prep sessions. Also keep an eye out for rookie running back
Ronnie Hillman, a third-round pick in April's draft who could push
disappointing former first-rounder Knowshon Moreno off the roster as well-worn
veteran Willis McGahee's handcuff. Defensive tackle will be a position to
watch as well, with projected starter Ty Warren trying to overcome hip and
tricep injuries that have kept him out two straight years and 2012 second-
round choice Derek Wolfe attempting to nail down a spot in the rotation.
Second-year players Quinton Carter and Rahim Moore will compete to replace the
retired Brian Dawkins at strong safety, while Wesley Woodyard will get plenty
of reps at weakside linebacker with starter D.J. Williams set to serve a six-
game suspension to begin the season.

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Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)

REPORT DATE: July 26th

SITE: Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, MO

The Chiefs will be installing a different offense after hiring former Browns
and Dolphins coordinator Brian Daboll as the new play-caller in February, but
the team is hoping to stay out of the trainer's room more than anything else
when it convenes for camp. ACL tears to three cornerstone members -- dynamic
running back Jamaal Charles, strong safety Eric Berry and tight end Tony
Moeaki -- in the first two weeks of last season were critical factors in
Kansas City's diminished 2011 win total from the previous year, while
quarterback Matt Cassel missed seven games after breaking his hand in
November. Charles, Berry and Moeaki will all be eased into practices as a
precaution, while starting free safety Kendrick Lewis may miss some time as
well after tearing his pectorals in January. Assuming he shows up for duty,
disgruntled wide receiver Dwayne Bowe will need to get up to speed in
digesting Daboll's system after sitting out all offseason workouts in hopes of
earning a contract extension, but counterpart Jonathan Baldwin -- the team's
No. 1 pick in 2011 -- got rave reviews for his minicamp performances and can
stake a claim to an increased role if he continues to progress in the summer.
Getting an offensive line that will have two new starters -- young center
Rodney Hudson and free-agent right tackle Eric Winston -- to come together
will also be on the agenda, while the battle between ex-Chief Brady Quinn and
2011 fifth-rounder Ricky Stanzi for the backup quarterback job will be one to
watch come preseason. This year's first-round selection, defensive lineman
Dontari Poe, is expected to be an immediate starter at nose tackle.

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Oakland Raiders (8-8)

REPORT DATE: July 29th

SITE: Napa Valley Marriott, Napa, CA

The Raiders will once again have a new voice as they begin their quest to end
a streak of nine straight non-winning campaigns and playoff absences, with
former Denver defensive coordinator Dennis Allen the team's third head coach
in three seasons. His first order of business will be getting increased
performance out of a defense that was 29th in the NFL in both yards and points
allowed in 2011, as well as instilling better discipline after Oakland led the
league in penalties in Hue Jackson's lone year at the helm. The most notable
camp competition could take place at running back, where former Panther Mike
Goodson and second-year speedster Taiwan Jones will square off for the right
to be the new No. 2 option behind injury-prone starter Darren McFadden, though
it's not out of the question that the team could still explore a veteran
insurance policy such as Cedric Benson or Ryan Grant. With middle linebacker
Rolando McClain at risk of jail time and/or a league suspension for an assault
conviction, getting backup Travis Goethel prepared for a possible fill-in role
will be necessary as well. Two players among the team's rookie class to keep
an eye on in the preseason are wideouts Juron Criner, a fifth-round choice in
April's draft, and free-agent Rod Streater. Both made good impressions in the
OTA sessions and may be able to carve out a role even on a receiving cast that
possesses good depth.

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San Diego Chargers (8-8)

REPORT DATES: July 22nd (rookies), July 25th (veterans)

SITE: Chargers Park, San Diego, CA

Though back-to-back non-playoff finishes have created an atmosphere of
heightened urgency in what could be a make-or-break season for head coach Norv
Turner, the Chargers won't be going into training camp with a whole lot of
uncertainty on the depth chart. The team does have to replace two important
offensive pieces in playmaking wide receiver Vincent Jackson and versatile
running back Mike Tolbert, both of whom left in free agency, and will be
relying on a number of veteran newcomers to mesh quickly and help fill those
voids. Ex-Saint Robert Meachem will attempt to step into Jackson's shoes as
the new No. 1 receiver, with fellow additions Eddie Royal and Roscoe Parrish
also entering the wideout mix, while former 1,000-yard rusher Ronnie Brown and
Kansas City discard Jackie Battle are among those aiming to be the main
understudy to feature back Ryan Mathews. One newcomer to watch on defense will
be outside linebacker Melvin Ingram, San Diego's first-round pick in April's
draft who'll be asked to make an immediate impact as a pass-rushing specialist
and help fortify a problem area from a year ago. There's a possible opening at
safety as well, with offseason pickup Atari Bigby and rookie Brandon Taylor
(3rd Round, LSU) the top candidates.